MLB: 'Unforeseen delays' caused testing issues

Major League Baseball said Monday that issues with delivery and shipping caused delays in COVID-19 testing results.

The league addressed concerns after multiple MLB camps were halted due to a lack of test results.

"As of today, more than 95% of the tests under the intake screening period have been conducted, analyzed and shared with all 30 clubs. All of the individuals among the 95% have now moved on to the phase that will test them every other day," MLB said in a statement. "The remaining number of outstanding tests are expected to be completed today.

"Our plan required extensive delivery and shipping services, including proactive special accommodations to account for the holiday weekend. The vast majority of those deliveries occurred without incident and allowed the protocols to function as planned. Unfortunately, several situations included unforeseen delays. We have addressed the delays caused by the holiday weekend and do not expect a recurrence. We commend the affected clubs that responded properly by canceling workouts."

The league said it collected 3,740 samples between June 27 and July 3, and 98% of those tests have been reported. MLB was still waiting for 86 results as of Monday morning.

The situation has left Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant feeling frustrated.

"What we agreed to was testing ever other day," Bryant said Monday, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. "We have had guys who showed up on Sunday and hadn't gotten tested again (until) seven days later."

"I wanted to play this year because I felt that it would be safe and I would be comfortable," he added. "Honestly, I don't really feel that way."